News from the Executive Chair – April 2018

It’s been a busy start to 2018 after what was a very productive 2017 and the first year for the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct Office.

I’m pleased to share with you our first online newsletter, which will provide regular updates on our work and also some of the news from the Precinct. It coincides with the launch of our new website, which I hope both the Precinct and people from right around the world will find a useful resource.

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone across the Precinct who has supported our team since establishment. We have achieved a significant amount in a short timeframe and it would not have been possible without the support of the Precinct Partners, as well as our government and industry partners. It’s this collaborative spirit that sets us apart and I’m looking forward to working together in the year ahead.

Gareth

Melbourne Biomedical Precinct Office Strategic Plan

The draft Strategic Plan was delivered to the Victorian Government in December 2017. This plan, developed in consultation with our Precinct Partners and working groups across the Precinct and Government, identified a series of recommendations that we believe will position us to deliver even greater impact for patients, the Precinct and the state. The Government is now considering those recommendations and we will keep you updated on the next steps in this important planning process.

Melbourne Biomedical Precinct Draft Framework Plan

We are working closely with the Victorian Planning Authority (VPA) to prepare a land-use framework plan that will support the ongoing growth of high-skill and high-value jobs in the Precinct. The VPA has now released seven key directions to inform the draft plan which will be release for public consultation in July this year.

Premier’s Awards for Health and Medical Research

Congratulations to the nominees and recipients of the recent Premier’s Awards for Health and Medical Research. It was wonderful to see so many talented researchers from across the Precinct being recognised and rewarded for their outstanding research contributions including the winner of the Excellence Award for 2018 – Ms Kerryn Moore from the University of Melbourne, Burnet Institute and the Shoklo Malaria Research Unit. Find out more about the award winners here.

Premier’s Biomedical Innovation and Commercialisation Exchange

The Victorian Government has opened a new trade office in Tel Aviv, Israel to drive new investment and exchange opportunities. The office will include a fulltime Biomedical Director to increase the medical research and commercialisation collaboration that is occurring between Victoria and Israel, as well a liaison officer based right here in the Precinct.

In establishing the office, the Premier announced $50,000 grants to both the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute and the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health. Read more here.

Events – Connect + Collaborate + Commercialise

In March, biomedical researchers from across the precinct attended our first event for 2018, which gave them the opportunity to learn first-hand about the GSK 2018 Discovery Fast Track Australian Challenge and also network with peers and industry.

Website

Our new website is now live and aims to showcase the Precinct and its work. In particular we see this site as an important resource for industry, individuals, as well as the public and private sectors, interested in investing in or working with the Precinct. We welcome your feedback which can be provided here.

Metro Tunnel

The new Parkville Station as part of the Metro Tunnel Project is now well underway and we have recently seen the closure of Grattan Street as part of the works program. There is no question that having a new station right in the heart of the Precinct will improve access for patients, workers, students and visitors. The plans for surrounding public spaces, retail and hospitality will also add significantly to the amenity of the area.

We recognise that there are many technical issues to work through during the planning and building of Metro Tunnel. The Melbourne Biomedical Precinct Partners are working closely with the Victorian Government and the Melbourne Metro Rail Authority to fully understand and plan for those issues.

Members of the Melbourne Metro Rail Authority team regularly attend the meetings of the Precinct Leadership Group and this has been a good forum over the past two years to discuss any matters directly with the team. These meetings have been constructive and as a result a dedicated electromagnetic interference working group has been established to ensure any risks are fully understood and contingency plans are in place.

We will continue this good working approach and keep you updated over time.

Austrade Trade Missions – life sciences, digital health

Austrade is running a number of trade missions in 2018 which may be of interest to promote your work, build relationships and generate investment opportunities.

Australian Life Sciences Mission to Philadelphia and Houston 7-12 June 2018
This mission is designed to connect Australian companies and research institutes to a broader US network in the life sciences sector. Register directly here or contact Abdul Ekram at Abdul.ekram@austrade.gov.au for further information.

Innovation Summit in the Philippines – 22 May 2018 – Manila
This summit includes a Digital Health program with an industry leaders roundtable discussion on how technology can improve the accessibility, affordability, quality and effectiveness of healthcare. For more details, please contact tina.sendin@austrade.gov.au

BioKorea 9-11 May 2018 – Seoul
Austrade will run industry seminars in Digital Health and Regenerative Medicine as part of the Digital Health program at BioKorea and hold an investor roundtable to promote Australian capabilities to industry. For more information, please contact juliet.woo@austrade.gov.au

Stay informed

The Melbourne Biomedical Precinct Office was established by the Victorian Government to drive economic development in the Precinct and strengthen its position as a world leader in biomedical research, development and innovation.

Do you know someone who would like to know more about our work and stay informed? Please direct them to this website or sign up here